Crockpot Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more polished presentation, reserve a few fresh strawberry slices to add as a garnish right before serving. This adds a bright pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the cooked, jammy fruit within the casserole.

Additionally, if you prefer a crunchier topping, you can toast the graham cracker crumbs in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling them over the casserole, although this step is optional.

If you find the casserole is browning too quickly on the edges, you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid of the slow cooker to absorb excess condensation, which helps prevent the top from becoming too soft. Just ensure the towel is kept away from the heating element at all times. This simple trick can help maintain a better texture for the top layer of the bread and the graham cracker topping.

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon: Swap the strawberries for fresh blueberries and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the custard mixture for a bright, citrusy twist on this classic breakfast bake.
• Chocolate Hazelnut: Replace the strawberries with sliced bananas and drizzle a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread over the top before adding the graham cracker crumbs for a decadent treat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the texture of the custard and bread may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best quality, try to store it in a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, it is best to reheat them gently to preserve the texture of the bread and the creaminess of the cheesecake pockets, ensuring the dish remains as delicious as it was when freshly prepared.

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the custard and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you are ready to cook, simply pour the custard over the bread mixture and start the slow cooker as directed.

This makes it an excellent option for busy mornings, as it allows you to do the majority of the preparation the night before, leaving only the final steps to be completed when you wake up.

Serving ideas

Serve the casserole warm, directly from the slow cooker, to keep it at the ideal temperature for as long as possible. Use a large spoon or a spatula to carefully lift portions onto plates, ensuring each scoop includes a mix of the bread, cheesecake, and strawberry compote.

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a professional finish and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the cream cheese perfectly.

For an even more indulgent experience, consider serving each portion with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The combination of the warm, jammy strawberries and the creamy cheesecake pockets makes this dish substantial enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee to round out your brunch menu.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Prep 15 minCook 3 hRest 10 minTotal 3 h 25 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 batch vanilla egg custard
• 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
• powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

1. Grease the interior of the slow cooker lightly. Add the cubed French bread, cream cheese cubes, and sliced strawberries into the ceramic insert in even layers. Ensure the ingredients are distributed well so every scoop contains a variety of textures and flavors.
2. Whisk the vanilla egg custard ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and fruit. Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top of the casserole to provide a textural contrast once cooked.
3. Cover and cook on LOW setting for three hours. To ensure the eggs are fully cooked, the internal temperature must reach 160°F (71°C). The strawberries should turn into a jam-like consistency and the cheesecake pockets should melt into the bread. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: The eggs in this dish are served soft; use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.